Lord Nelson ship’s figurehead sailed to strong result at New England Auctions

Lord Nelson ship's figurehead, which sold for $19,000 ($24,320 with buyer’s premium) at New England Auctions - Fred Giampietro.

BRANFORD, Conn. — Fred Giampietro’s New England Auctions September 21 sale performed admirably, with key lots from the collection of noted antiques dealer Lincoln Sander (1939-2022) selling well above their estimates. The complete results are available at LiveAuctioneers.

The top lot of the sale was a ship’s figurehead, made from carved and stained wood to depict Lord Nelson, one of the greatest British naval commanders in history. In excellent condition with minor imperfections, the figurehead soared well above its $400-$800 estimate to hammer at $19,000 ($24,320 with buyer’s premium).

Another item from the Sander collection exceeded its expectations. This circa-1785 tall case clock by Reuben Ingraham (1745-1811) bears a brass dial and a maple construction. Ingraham had been previously apprenticed to master clockmaker and silversmith John Avery (1732-94) of Preston, Connecticut. The venerable timepiece sold for $14,000 ($17,920 with buyer’s premium) against an estimate of $4,000-$8,000.

Lincoln Sanders was an avid collector of Delft earthenware, and this sale featured 29 lots from his collection. One of the top sellers was a Delft shaving bowl, decorated with the phrase (in Dutch) “Here, people cut their hair with knife and scissors.” It sold for $4,200 ($5,376 with buyer’s premium) against an estimate of $250-$500.

Stevens to auction selected items from historic home The Briars Oct. 7

Laminated rosewood parlor sofa by J. H. Belter, estimated at $30,000-$50,000 at Stevens Auction Company.

NATCHEZ, Miss. — The Briars, a historic home on the United States Register of Historic Places where Confederate President Jefferson Davis married in 1845, is being restored to its original state by new owner Chip Newman. Stevens Auction Company has been retained to sell selected interior items and all bed-and-breakfast equipment in a one-day, 433-lot sale on Saturday, October 7. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

“All Victorian and late Empire furnishings that came with the estate at purchase, as well as the contents of all bed and breakfast equipment and furniture, will be sold to make way for the rebirth of The Briars,” said auctioneer Dwight Stevens. “This Natchez icon will have period furnishings from its beginning in 1818.”

The auction contains a wealth of vintage furniture and decorative items. A J. H. Belter laminated rosewood parlor sofa leads the estimates at $30,000-$50,000, while two different half-tester beds (unlike a four-poster, a half-tester bed’s canopy is connected only to the headboard) follow closely behind. A mahogany Empire-style example is estimated at $20,000-$30,000, while a rosewood rococo Mallard half-tester plantation queen bed has an estimate of $10,000-$25,000.

Antique tall clocks are also well represented. An H. Muhrs & Sons of Philadelphia tall case musical clock, standing at a height of 102 inches, carries an estimate of $10,000-$15,000. An impressive 19th-century Austrian tall case clock has an estimate of $6,500-$10,000.

Founded in 1899 in Detroit, Packard Motor Car Company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1949 with a special edition of its 23 Series sedan. This example has its original sales invoice and a mere 96,000 miles on the clock, with an older 1990s restoration. It is estimated at $8,000-$12,000.

Tall case clock carved with scenes of Dick Whittington and his cat chimes at Fontaine Sept. 23-24

Monumental English carved oak tall case clock with images of Dick Whittington and his cat, which sold for $75,000 ($94,500 with buyer’s premium) at Fontaine's Auction Gallery.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Last on the market in 2008 when it sold for close to $350,000, a remarkable late 19th-century English clock returns to auction this month. The Elkins family tall case carved with scenes from the tale of Dick Whittington and his Cat will be estimated at $60,000-$80,000 when offered by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24 (Day 1, Day 2).

Although spuriously signed on the dial Joshua Hampson fecit 1743, the monumental 12ft (3.66m) high and 4ft 2in (1.27m) wide longcase is late Victorian design at its most confident. The heavy gauge movement plays seven tunes and strikes with the so-called Whittington chimes that were popular in English clocks from the Victorian period onwards.

They take their name from a much earlier folk tale.

As the story goes, the young Dick Whittington had tired of working in the household of a rich London merchant, Mr. Fitzwarren, and planned a return home. But as he left the city early on All Hallows Day he heard the Bow church bells ring out as if to say: Turn again, Whittington, Thrice Lord Mayor of London.

Dick returned to London to learn that the cat he had reluctantly sent on a voyage in his master’s ship had been sold for a great fortune to the King of Barbary, whose palace had been overrun with mice. Dick had become a rich man. There is a grain of truth in the story: as the bells said, there was a Richard Whittington (circa 1354–1423) who served as Lord Mayor of London on three separate occasions: first in 1397, then again in 1406-7, and for the third and final time in 1419-20. He bequeathed his fortune to form the Charity of Sir Richard Whittington which, nearly 600 years later, continues to assist people in need.

The cat, the mice, Father Time, Lady Justice and Mr. Fitzwarren are all depicted on the case alongside the words Turn again Whittington Thrice Lord Mayor of London. The central figure of Whittington is not far short of life size. Although legend suggests Richard rose to greatness from obscure beginnings, to the base of the clock is a bust portrait of his father, Sir William Whittington (d. 1358), who was himself a Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire.

There are a number of similar clocks in US collections, acquired by American industrialists from British firms who displayed their most flamboyant wares at the international exhibitions.

This example was previously owned by the Elkins family and resided at the former family mansion designed by well-known Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer. It was left in situ when the house and gardens became a convent in 1932 and was bought by the new owner of the property when it was sold by Alderfers in April 2008 for $310,000 ($341,000 including buyer’s premium).

Fontaine’s sale also includes more than 60 lots of Tiffany Studios pieces, including many good examples of the firm’s fabulous favrile glass, a selection of which appears below.

Collection from past executive director of the Antique Dealers Association of America showcased at Fred Giampietro, Sept. 21

Circa-1760 Connecticut Queen Anne highboy and matching lowboy, estimated at $25,000-$50,000 at New England Auctions – Fred Giampietro.

BRANFORD, Conn. – On Thursday, September 21, New England Auctions – Fred Giampietro presents the Collection of Lincoln and Jean Sander, comprising 210 lots of exceptional American antiques within a strong 446-lot sale. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Lincoln Sander was a prominent dealer of antiques who was active for more than 40 years. He served as the executive director of the Antique Dealers Association of America from 2007 to 2016, and he and his wife, Jean, lived in a historic house in Newtown, Connecticut that dated to 1748. He died in January 2022 at the age of 82.

Standouts within the Sander collection lots include a circa-1760 cherry wood Queen Anne flat-top highboy and matching lowboy made in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Described as ‘important,’ the pair are together estimated at $25,000-$50,000.

Also certain to turn heads are a pair of leather fire buckets dating to the year 1800 with images commemorating the death of George Washington. Stated as being in excellent condition, with their paint in original condition, the pair has an estimate of $10,000-$15,000.

Other prizes include a bannister-back armchair made circa 1720 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and estimated at $8,000-$12,000, and a circa-1785 tall case clock in maple with a brass dial, signed by Reuben Ingraham. It is estimated at $4,000-$8,000.

 

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Silver, furniture and Andrew Clemens sand bottles ruled the day at Hindman

Gorham five-piece silver tea and coffee service with matching tray, $31,500
Gorham five-piece silver tea and coffee service with matching tray, $31,500
Gorham five-piece silver tea and coffee service with matching tray, $31,500

CINCINNATI – A striking selection of 18th- and 19th-century silver and furniture achieved exceptional prices during the March 30th American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction at Hindman. Queen Anne, Chippendale and Federal furniture sold for strong prices, and music players also caught the attention of bidders. Additional top lots included four Andrew Clemens sand bottles that displayed the development of the renowned artist’s craft. A painting by William B.T. Trego depicting General Custer leading his men on horseback, from the collection of the Bloomington Public Library in Bloomington, Illinois, was another important lot. For years, the painting was believed to be completely lost.

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Andrew Clemens sand bottles, American silver headline at Hindman, March 30

Pair of Andrew Clemens Sweetheart sand bottles, estimated at $60,000-$80,000
Left, pair of Andrew Clemens Sweetheart sand bottles, estimated at $60,000-$80,000; Right, 18th-century American silver tankard by Myer Myers, estimated at $15,000-$25,000
Left, pair of Andrew Clemens Sweetheart sand bottles, estimated at $60,000-$80,000; Right, 18th-century American silver tankard by Myer Myers, estimated at $15,000-$25,000

CINCINNATI – Four Andrew Clemens sand bottles spanning the artist’s career will headline Hindman’s American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction on Thursday, March 30. The bottles, spread across three lots, will be offered alongside more than 300 lots of American furniture, silver, portraiture, textiles and folk art. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Ernie Barnes paintings at forefront of Leland Little auction, March 11

Ernie Barnes, ‘The Hurdler,’ estimated at $100,000-$200,000. Image courtesy of Leland Little Auctions
Ernie Barnes, ‘The Hurdler,’ estimated at $100,000-$200,000. Image courtesy of Leland Little Auctions

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. – On Saturday, March 11, starting at 9 am Eastern time, Leland Little Auctions will hold its Signature Spring Auction, featuring almost 250 lots of fine art, antique furniture and fine jewelry. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Paul Revere strikes twice with strong prices at Doyle sales

Paul Revere Jr., silver Liverpool pitcher, $94,500
Left: Paul Revere Jr.’s 1770 engraving ‘The Bloody Massacre,’ which sold for $429,000 and a world auction record for the print at Doyle on November 2. Right, a Paul Revere Jr. Liverpool silver pitcher, created in 1805, which sold for $94,500 at Doyle on November 3. I
Left: Paul Revere Jr.’s 1770 engraving ‘The Bloody Massacre,’ which sold for $429,000 and a world auction record for the print at Doyle on November 2. Right, a Paul Revere Jr. Liverpool silver pitcher, created in 1805, which sold for $94,500 at Doyle on November 3.

NEW YORK – In early November, Doyle completed two different highly successful auctions on consecutive days. Both featured works by founding father Paul Revere, Jr. – the first featured a historic print that sold for a world auction record, and the second showcased a group of his silver pieces, which collectively realized $170,100.

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Gallery Report: Lawton Parker’s ‘Silver Lake’ shimmers at auction

ATLANTA – At the beginning of every month, ACN columnist Ken Hall delivers top auction highlights from around the United States and the world at large. Here’s his November 2021 edition of Gallery Report. All prices include the buyer’s premium, except where noted.

Lawton S. Parker oil painting, $36,000, Schwenke Auctioneers

An oil on canvas painting by Lawton Silas Parker, titled Silver Lake, sold for $36,000 at an Estates Auction held September 26 by Schwenke Auctioneers in Woodbury, Connecticut. Also, a pair of vintage leather fire helmets heated up the crowd for $6,985; a Steinway & Sons 1936 medium grand Model M piano gaveled for $8,800; a signed Daum Nancy green glass/gilt bottle earned $4,200; and a signed lithograph in colors by Zao Wou-Ki hit $4,500.

Large Chinese vase, $50,000, John Moran Auctioneers

A large Chinese silver and cloisonne enamel vase by Wang Hing, the late 19th- century silver export retailer based in Canton, China, sold for $50,000 at a Traditional Collector sale held September 28 by John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, California. Also, a Chinese silk and metal thread area rug with vivid blue accents achieved $15,000; a French gilt-bronze and marble mantel clock retailed by Tiffany & Co. earned $11,875; and an English marquetry buffet finished at $8,125.

John F. Kensett landscape, $1.08 million, Cottone Auctions

A sublime landscape painting by John Frederick Kensett, titled Singing Beach & Eagle Rock, Magnolia, Massachusetts, sold for $1.08 million at a Fine Art, Antiques and Clock auction held September 18 by Cottone Auctions in Geneseo, New York. Also, a Tiffany Studios elaborate Peony lamp on a telescopic library base with a 22-in shade lit up the room for $390,000; and an E. Howard & Co. No. 49 astronomical hanging regulator finished at $174,000.

Chinese theatrical diorama, $20,400, Michaan’s Auctions

A Chinese monumental theatrical diorama with kingfisher feather embellishment sold for $20,400 at Estates & Collections Auctions held September 17 by Michaan’s Auctions in Alameda, California. Also, a rainy Paris street scene painting by Edouard Leon Cortes, titled Theatre Gymnastique, earned $30,000; and a 1988 nude rendering by Tom Wesselmann, titled Monica Lying on a Blanket, using enamel on laser cut steel, went to a determined bidder for $24,000.

Alfred J. Casson oil painting, CA$59,000, Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

A 1940 landscape painting by the Canadian Group of Seven artist Alfred Joseph Casson, titled Outside Algonquin Park, sold for $59,000 in an online-only Firearms, Sporting & Canadiana auction held October 9 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada. Also, an oil on board 1966 countryscape by Group of Seven founding member Alexander Young Jackson hit $38,350. Prices are in Canadian dollars.

1790 tall case clock, $92,250, Pook & Pook, Inc.

A circa-1790 New York Federal mahogany musical tall case clock with eight-day works signed “Effingham Embree New York” sold for $92,250 at an Americana & International Sale held Sept. 30-Oct. 1 by Pook & Pook, Inc. in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Also, Mickey Mouse by Andy Warhol, from the artist’s 1981 Myths series  hit $196,800, and a 1926 bronze fountain by Harriett Frishmuth, titled Crest of the Wave, rose to $147,600.

Munnings equestrian works, $662,500, Andrew Jones Auctions

A pair of paintings by the acclaimed British equestrian artist Sir Alfred James Munnings sold for a combined $662,500 in the online-only auction of the collection of Lady Victoria White held October 10 by Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles. The Kilkenny Horse Fair soared to $500,000, while Making a Polo Ground at Princemere finished at $162,500. Also, a Chinese blue and white porcelain Transitional/Kangxi brush pot brought $40,000.

Johnny Ramone guitar, $937,500, RR Auction

The Mosrite Ventures II guitar played onstage by Johnny Ramone (real name: John Cummings), guitarist for the punk rock band the Ramones, sold for $937,500 in an online auction held by RR Auction, based in Boston. Johnny Ramone played the guitar in every performance of the band from 1977-1996 – nearly 2,000 shows, and also on all 15 Ramones albums. Also, his Mark-2 signature guitar went for $46,875, and a painting of him by Giovanni DeCunto brought $37,500.

Maqbool Husain painting, $43,750, Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

A dynamic Cubist horse painting by the Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain sold for $43,750 in Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers’ online Estate Fine Art & Antique Auction held September 30 in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also, a 19th-century Chinese embroidered brought $25,000, a Caille Brothers Eclipse 25-cent slot machine hit $18,750; and a Tiffany Bleeding Heart table lamp realized $12,500.

Louis Marx toy motorcycle, $22,800, Milestone Auctions

A Louis Marx & Co. (USA) prototype tin windup Speedboy 4 military toy motorcycle with spring-loaded military cannon and ammo box sold for $22,800 at an Antique Toy auction held October 2 by Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio. Also, a Lehmann (Germany) tin windup Boxer Rebellion toy, all original, went for $17,400; and a large and colorful German hand-painted composition cat skittles set garnered $16,200.

‘The American Atlas,’ $69,300, Freeman’s

A second edition of The American Atlas, widely considered the most important 18th-century atlas of America, sold for $69,300 at a Books and Manuscripts auction held September 23 by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. Also, a circa-1789 New Haven printing of the first acts of the first Congress of the United States went for $22,680; a first and limited-edition copy of James Joyce’s Ulysses achieved $27,720; and a first American edition copy of Moby-Dick garnered $16,380.

Andrew Clemens sand bottle, $956,000, Hindman

A late 1880s sand bottle by Andrew Clemens, who was known as “the deaf-mute sand artist from McGregor, Iowa”, sold for $956,000 at an American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts Auction held September 30 by Hindman in Chicago. It is the only Clemens sand bottle of the more than 100 documented examples to exhibit a portrait – it depicts Orrin “O.T.” Fuller of Savanna, Illinois at about the age of five. Also, a marble bust of Benjamin Franklin, possibly by Giuseppe Ceracchi, changed hands for $53,125.

Rolex Big Red Daytona, $125,000, Rago/Wright

An iconic Rolex Big Red Daytona Cosmograph stainless steel wristwatch sold for $125,000 at a Watches & Timepieces auction held October 20 by Rago/Wright in Lambertville, New Jersey. Also, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model 5402 jumbo stainless-steel wristwatch achieved $106,250; a Patek Philippe World Time pink gold wristwatch changed hands (or wrists) for $27,500; and a Rolex Daytona Cosmograph wristwatch made $43,750.

John Wayne ‘True Grit’ revolver, $517,500, Rock Island

The revolver used by actor John Wayne in the movie True Grit sold for $517,500 at a Sporting & Collector Firearms Auction held Oct. 6-8 by Rock Island Auction Company in Rock Island, Illinois. Also, an M2-2 flamethrower flambeed its high estimate, hitting $19,550, and a Civil War-era 1851 Colt Navy pistol with a shoulder stock changed hands for $17,250.

Gottlieb painting, $756,000, Doyle

A painting from 1965 by Adolph Gottlieb, titled A Heavy Matter, a prime example of the artist’s Burst series of paintings, sold for $756,000 at a 20th Century Abstraction auction held October 6 by Doyle in New York. Also, an untitled work from 1969 by Kenneth Noland realized $100,800; an untitled painting by Edward Clark made $81,900; and Hekt, a 1978 work by American artist Nancy Graves achieved $75,600.

LeBron James rookie card, $1.39 million, Goldin Auctions

A LeBron James Upper Deck Exquisite Rookie Patch autograph card, graded BGS NM-MT, sold for $1.39 million in an online Card & Memorabilia auction held in September by Goldin Auctions, based in Runnemede, New Jersey. Also, a 2000 Championship Ticket autograph Tom Brady signed rookie card rang up $799,500; a 1986-87 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan rookie card earned $344,400; and a 2016 Gold Prizm #2 Patrick Mahomes rookie card realized $198,030 – a record for the card.

Tiffany Dragonfly lamp, $150,000, Heritage Auctions

A circa-1910 Tiffany Studios leaded glass and patinated bronze Dragonfly table lamp, marked “Tiffany Studios” to the base and shade, sold for $150,000 at a Tiffany, Lalique & Art Glass auction held October 28 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Also, a circa-1910 Tiffany Studios leaded glass and patinated bronze Oriental Poppy table lamp went for $118,750, and a circa-1910 Tiffany Studios leaded glass and patinated bronze Dogwood table lamp brought $93,750.

 

View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/

Phyllis McGuire estate selections triumph at Heritage auction

Diamond, ruby, and platinum-topped gold bracelet, $40,000
Diamond, ruby, and platinum-topped gold bracelet, $40,000
Diamond, ruby, and platinum-topped gold bracelet, $40,000

DALLAS – Heritage Auctions offered select items from the Las Vegas estate of pop-singing sensation Phyllis McGuire in its Estate of Phyllis McGuire Auction Aug. 10.

Like so many of the Rat Pack-era McGuire Sisters’ songs, the results of the event were a huge hit. More than 1,000 bidders from around the globe took part in the event, leading the sale to perfect sell-through rates of 100% by value and by lots sold, and total sales of $1,853,356.

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